This Week in Sport: 3rd – 9th February 2020
There is plenty of fantastic sport to enjoy this week. In the NBA, the Miami Heat host the Philadelphia 76ers. This is a vital game for both sides as they chase playoff contention. South Africa and England play their first ODI. Can England continue their successful Tour in South Africa? Tottenham Hotspur play Southampton in an FA Cup replay. Both teams will be eager to make a deep cup run. Phil Mickelson will look to make history as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am begins. An exciting and talented US team take on the underdog Latvia side in the Fed Cup. The Big Bash League comes to its conclusion. Who will take home the trophy? The week ends with a thrilling edition of the Milan derby.
Monday 3rd February 12:30AM GMT (Tuesday 4th) – Basketball: Miami Heat v Philadelphia 76ers
In the NBA, the Miami Heat host the Philadelphia 76ers at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.
The 76ers travel to Miami for a crucial game for both sides. Philadelphia plummeted down the Eastern Conference following a poor run to end 2019. However, they have won five of their last eight games as they attempt to propel themselves back into top-seed contention. Meanwhile, the Heat have been the surprise story of the season. Former Sixer Jimmy Butler has flourished as the leader of a young Heat roster. Tonight, they must see off Philadelphia to keep pace with teams like the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics. Tied for the third seed, falling to the Sixers could be damaging to their campaign. With defeat not an option for either side tonight, you won’t want to miss this one.
Tuesday 4th February 11:00AM GMT – Cricket: South Africa v England (1st ODI)
The English Tour of South Africa continues with an ODI at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
England dominated the preceding Test series, presenting themselves as a force in that format. Now Eoin Morgan will look to take that momentum into the one-day series. This will be England’s first taste of ODI cricket since their captivating World Cup win last year. And, given how they have handled their hosts so far, they are the firm favourites. For South Africa, one-day captain Quinton de Koch has named a side full of fresh faces. ODI cricket is a sore spot for the side, following their disappointing World Cup campaign. However, the hope is that a changing of the guard can reverse their fortunes. Be sure to tune into this first match.
Wednesday 5th February 7:45PM GMT – Football: Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton meet for an FA Cup replay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Spurs and Southampton will meet for the fourth time this season as the two Premier League outfits compete for a spot in the next round of the FA Cup. Jose Mourinho’s side were in control of the initial tie until Sofiane Boufal netted an 87th minute equaliser to set up Wednesday’s replay. There is nothing to split these two sides, with the head to head record showing a win for each and one draw this term. However, Tottenham will feel they hold the edge with the game taking place in front of their raucous home crowd and Mourinho’s men will hope to utilise that advantage as they look to reach the Fifth round of this competition for the fourth time in five years.
Thursday 6th February 5:00PM GMT – Golf: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
On the PGA Tour, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am gets underway at various courses in Pebble Beach, California.
Some of the greatest golfers in the world will congregate in California this week to battle it out for the coveted title. American representation has dominated this particular competition since its inception in 1937, with only three winners hailing from outside of the States. Aged 48 years of age, Phil Mickelson became the oldest winner of this tournament last year, posting a score of 268. He will return to Pebble Beach this time round looking to become the first back-to-back winner since Dustin Johnson achieved the feat in 2009 and 2010. Johnson will also feature amongst this year’s star-studded field, with the world number five going in search of his third win at this prestigious competition.
Friday 7th February 3:30AM GMT (Saturday 8th) – Tennis: United States v Latvia
In Fed Cup Qualifying, the United States host Latvia at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.
The US are bringing an all-star team in their pursuit of a Fed Cup title. Leading the way is 23-time Grand Slam champion and living legend, Serena Williams. Lining up alongside her is the newly crowned Australian Open champion, Sofia Kenin. Kenin has risen to 7th in the world rankings and will be eager to represent her nation for the third time. Joining the team for 2020 is young phenom Coco Gauff, who comes off her impressive run in Melbourne. Latvia will enter the fixture as the underdogs. However, they have two top-50 players, including 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko. With the talent taking part, this will be a fantastic day of tennis.
Saturday 8th February 8:15AM GMT – Cricket: Big Bash League Final
The Big Bash League comes to an end at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney.
The Sydney Sixers finished the regular season in second place. Behind Josh Phillipe’s 435 runs and Tom Curran’s 22 wickets, the team has had a great season. This is the Sixers’ first Final since 2017. The last title the Sixers captured was in 2012, during the league’s first season. They will face either the Melbourne Stars or Sydney Thunder, depending on the result of Thursday’s Challenger match. The Stars were the league’s best team during the regular season and boast the likes of Marcus Stoinis. The Thunder are a deadly bowling team, thanks to players like Daniel Sams and Chris Morris. Whoever faces the Sixers in the Final, it’s going to be a game to remember.
Sunday 9th February 7:45PM GMT – Football: Inter Milan v AC Milan
Serie A features an iconic rivalry as Inter Milan face AC Milan at the San Siro in Milan.
There is always plenty on the line when these two famous clubs lock horns, but there is added incentive this time round as Inter look to keep their title hopes alive. The Nerazzurri have tussled with Juventus for top spot all season long, and currently sit second in the standings as they chase a first league title since the 2009/10 season. The red and black half of Milan have struggled for form so far this term and currently reside a long way off the Champions League spots. However, having recruited the mercurial talents of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan have given themselves every chance of playing at Europe’s top table next term, with the legendary Swede having already netted twice in his new colours. Don’t miss one of the most electrifying games in world football.
Other sporting highlights from around the globe
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the snooker as the World Grand Prix begins on Monday and plays out all week long at Preston Guild Hall. Elsewhere, the World Indoor Athletics Tour continues as the International PSD Bank Meeting takes place in Dusseldorf, before the 2020 ORLEN Copernicus Cup plays out later in the week at Torun Arena. There is some more football to sink your teeth into this week, starting with Shrewsbury’s trip to Anfield as they take on Liverpool in a Fourth round FA Cup replay. As the Premier League’s winter break comes into effect, only four fixtures are scheduled for this weekend, with Manchester City versus West Ham being the pick of the ties. There is another jam-packed week full of NBA clashes, starting with the Utah Jazz versus the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers versus the Miami Heat on Wednesday. On Thursday, there is an all-Eastern clash as the Milwaukee Bucks host the Philadelphia 76ers, before the best of the West face off as the LA Lakers meet the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center. The Rockets return to action on Sunday as they entertain the Utah Jazz. There is also plenty more cricket to watch out for, starting with New Zealands' clashes with India in the 1st and 2nd ODIs. The eyes of the cricketing world will also be on Melbourne as the Stars take on the Sydney Thunder in the BBL Challenger game. In the Australia Tri-Nation Women’s T20 competition, England do battle with both Australia and India at Junction Oval in St Kilda this week. England’s male team will meet South Africa for the 2nd and 3rd ODIs. The exciting Players Championship in Darts begins on the PDC Tour on Saturday. With the return of Super League last week, there is plenty of Rugby League to watch out for, including Warrington Wolves versus St Helens on Thursday. Elsewhere in Rugby Union, the Six Nations continues this week as Ireland face Wales and Scotland take on England at BT Murrayfield.
A week of world class sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Miami Heat; England Cricket; Tottenham Hotspur; AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am; Fed Cup; Sydney Sixers; Inter Milan
Written and information correct on 2nd February at 10pm GMT